Medical Laboratory Scientist - Flow Cytometry - Wellington

Medical Laboratory Scientist – Flow Cytometry
Permanent, Full-time
Wellington

Who we are | Ko wai mātou:
Awanui Labs is a part of Awanui Group, the largest network of human and veterinary pathology laboratories in New Zealand. At Awanui, we’re proud to be a national network of 25 laboratories, 150 collection centres, and employers of over 2,200 people throughout Aotearoa. Our team of specialist pathologists, scientists, technicians, phlebotomists, couriers, and shared services personnel deliver a world-class service that together collects, analyses, and reports over 7 million patient results annually.

About the role | Mō te tūranga:
Our Immunology Department is seeking a passionate and driven Medical Laboratory Scientist to join our dynamic team in the Flow Cytometry section. This permanent, full-time role (40 hours per week, Monday–Friday) will, after training, include participation in the on-call roster for evenings and weekends. This position would also suit an experienced Haematology scientist proficient in morphology who wishes to advance their career.

The Flow Cytometry section provides a comprehensive service for malignancy diagnosis and disease monitoring across the greater Wellington region. Most work involves leukaemia and lymphoma diagnosis in partnership with Haematologists, Immunopathologists, and Anatomical Pathologists, averaging 120 complex cases per month. We also support CD34 analysis for the Wellington Regional Blood and Cancer Stem Cell Transplant service and are developing immunological assays for primary immunodeficiency diagnosis.

Samples include peripheral blood, bone marrow, CSF, FNAs, tissues, and other body fluids. The laboratory is equipped with a Beckman Coulter Navios EX flow cytometer using Kaluza software, with a new DxFlex cytometer undergoing commissioning. Most immunophenotyping panels use advanced 10-colour multi-parameter flow cytometry with dry-tube technology.

As a key member of the Flow Cytometry team, you will contribute to a specialised diagnostic service using state-of-the-art technology, supported by experienced haematologists and immunopathologists committed to quality, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Perform diagnostic testing primarily in Flow Cytometry and potentially assisting in the Infectious Serology, Autoimmune and Allergy disciplines.

Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot advanced laboratory instrumentation.

Ensure accurate and timely processing and reporting of patient results.

Uphold quality assurance standards and participate in quality control processes.

Contribute to method validation, verification, and continuous service improvement initiatives.

Maintain compliance with laboratory accreditation and safety requirements.

Collaborate effectively with colleagues, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals.

Participate in rostered duties as required to support service deliver.

About you | He kōrero mōu
To be successful in this role you need to have:

The ability to work in a methodical manner adhering to strict quality procedure guidelines.

Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt quickly to new procedures or technologies.

Commitment to ongoing professional development and maintaining up-to-date industry knowledge.

Demonstrated reliability and professionalism in handling confidential information and sensitive tasks.

A team focus with initiative, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and possess the ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.

Excellent attention to detail, with good record-keeping skills.

The ability to work independently and able to participate in on-call and out-of-hour shifts as per the roster provided.

Registration with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand and a current Annual Practicing Certificate is essential.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand.

If you do not yet have your registration with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand, we will also consider candidates who are in the process of becoming qualified.

What’s in it for you | He aha mōu:
Our three core values guide us in achieving an inclusive and respected workplace where everyone can thrive and make a difference.

Manaakitanga - We Care for each other and the people we serve

Whakapakari - We Improve and adapt to create opportunities for success

Hiranga - We Deliver the highest quality medical and scientific expertise

Our laboratory is highly automated and technically advanced, already delivering an outstanding service for patients and healthcare professionals.

Explore excellent opportunities to enhance your skills with our in-house Learning and Development team, ensuring your professional competency and career growth.

If you are passionate about your work, dedicated to quality and want to be part of a friendly supportive team, please click 'Apply now'

Application closes 13 March 2026